There’s nothing more frustrating than wanting to take a relaxing bath only to discover your drain stopper is missing, broken, or simply won’t seal properly. Whether you’re dealing with a lost plug or a faulty drain stopper, you don’t have to skip your bath night. At Terry’s Plumbing, we understand that plumbing issues never happen at convenient times. That’s why we’ve put together these three simple, temporary solutions to help you plug your bathtub drain using common household items. 1. The Coffee Capsule Solution If you’re a coffee lover with a single-serve machine, those empty coffee capsules can serve a […]
Read more »A broken water heater thermostat is an easy problem to fix. Follow these simple steps for a DIY water heater thermostat repair, and be sure to always turn off the power at the main breakers before you attempt any kind of work that deals with electricity. To avoid any and all risk altogether, get in touch with Terry’s Plumbing today. If you aren’t comfortable working with live wires or plumbing that contains pressurized water, it is best to contact a professional. Terry’s Plumbing always places your satisfaction above all else. Contact us for all your water heater thermostat issues. When […]
Read more »Picture this: you’re planning a beautiful garden expansion or need urgent septic maintenance, but there’s one problem – you have no idea where your septic tank is buried. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This is one of the most common questions we get at Terry’s Plumbing, especially from new homeowners. Knowing your septic tank’s location isn’t just helpful – it’s essential for proper maintenance, landscaping decisions, and emergency repairs. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to become a septic tank detective. Understanding Your Septic System Before we start digging (literally), let’s cover the basics. Your septic tank is […]
Read more »When mysterious plumbing problems strike your home, traditional diagnostic methods often felt like solving a puzzle blindfolded. Fortunately, modern plumbing technology has introduced a game-changing solution: sewer camera inspections. This innovative approach has transformed how we identify and resolve underground plumbing issues, eliminating much of the guesswork that once plagued the industry. The Technology Behind Sewer Camera Inspections Sewer camera inspections utilize advanced waterproof cameras mounted on flexible cables that can navigate through your plumbing system. The process starts when technicians locate an access point, typically through existing cleanout ports or by creating a small entry point into the main […]
Read more »Hidden away in utility closets and basements, water heaters quietly perform their vital role in our daily lives. These workhorses provide the hot water that makes modern living comfortable, from steamy showers to sparkly clean dishes. But what’s going on inside that tank? Let’s dissect the inner workings of your home’s water heater, revealing the ingenious engineering that keeps the warmth flowing. The Tank: Your Personal Domestic Hot Spring At the core of most residential water heaters sits the tank, a veritable reservoir of warmth. This robust container, typically holding between 40 to 80 gallons of water, is where the […]
Read more »At Terry’s Plumbing, we’re always excited to share the latest plumbing trends that can transform your home. Today, we’re thrilled to highlight one of the most eye-catching movements in bathroom design: the return of colorful plumbing fixtures. A Colorful History Returns The ’70s are back in a big way in home design, and colorful plumbing fixtures are leading this nostalgic revival. From toilets and bathtubs to sinks in shades beyond the traditional white, this trend is bringing renewed personality to bathrooms across the country. Major manufacturers are embracing this trend, recently announcing the return of popular archived colors. But don’t […]
Read more »Across the United States, families are increasingly exposed to harmful chemicals whose source few people know. It begins on a street in front of your home, where a worker is repairing a sewer pipe in a manhole. The craftsman inserts a resin-soaked sleeve into the buried pipe and then heats it, turning the resin into a hard plastic pipe. This is one of the cheapest and most common methods of pipe repair, but it carries a serious risk: heating the resin creates harmful fumes that can travel through the sewer lines into surrounding buildings, sometimes several blocks away. These chemicals […]
Read more »The right fittings and fixtures make any interior feel more like a retreat. From colorful stained-glass tiles to sleek faucets and architectural-inspired shapes, these kitchen and bath accents double as conversation starters. Mosaics from New Ravenna The interior designer behind these works of art drew inspiration from his travels to Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. These mosaics are made of honed basalt, natural stones, and marbles; each handmade in Virginia. Tile by Michael Anastassiades for Mutina The latest from the London-based designer are floor and wall tiles in rectified porcelain, engraved with parallel lines that can be filled with matching or […]
Read more »As homeowners, we often don’t think about our pipes until they’re broken. It is very important for homeowners to be aware of what pipes you have in your home so you’re aware of the pros and cons of each pipe type. Here’s a brief overview of popular plumbing pipes found in your residential, commercial and industrial plumbing systems. Clay Pipe Also known as terra cotta pipe. This is still found in older homes in the Pittsburgh area and should be replaced immediately. The clay can be easily penetrated or crushed by roots. It may seem like an expensive endeavor to […]
Read more »There’s nothing like a lot of snow this time of year that lets us enjoy a winter wonderland. But one thing that’s not so wonderful is when pipes in our home freeze and burst. This can turn a happy season into the winter blues. The problem is not uncommon, especially in older homes with antiquated plumbing systems. Water, when it freezes, expands about nine percent, which puts pressure on pipes and can lead to cracking and bursting. A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can gush up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing major damage—not only to your home […]
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